Verse 4
One could hardly find a better summary anywhere of the philosophy of naturalism that so thoroughly permeates contemporary western civilization than what this verse contains. Peter referred to a denial of supernaturalism and an assertion of uniformitarianism. In particular, the scoffers denied the promise of the Lord Jesus that He would return (John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; et al.). They assumed that God does not intervene in the world.
"Those who give way to their own lusts will always mock at any incentive to noble living." [Note: Wheaton, p. 1257.]
The "fathers" are probably physical forefathers, more likely the Old Testament patriarchs rather than the first generation of Christians. This is the normal use of the word in the New Testament.
Peter proceeded to answer the second statement in this verse in 2 Peter 3:5-7 and then responded to the scoffers’ rhetorical question in 2 Peter 3:8-10. So this section has a somewhat chiastic structure.
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